The Petite Filet and I celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary on Tuesday. For some of you, that's no time at all. For others, it might be something worthy of an Olympic medal. We've had good times, very good times, bad times, very bad times, but the good always outweighs the bad. Some of the valleys were hard to get out of, and seemed to take forever to escape. But looking back, it was nothing I wouldn't go through willingly again. Especially with such a great partner.
The Beatles weren't exactly right ... you need more than just love. But love is necessary.
For those aspiring to become Marital Olympiads, I'll offer a few tips that can help you along the way. These are things that can make any union a better one. Most are common sense, something unfortunately that is becoming less common:
• A pure heart that yearns, every day, for being with the one you love.
• An easy sense of humor that can usually overcome anger, frustration and impatience.
• Enough vision that you can see past whatever troubles are in the present.
• A spiritual compass to help guide you together.
• Enough memory to remember our mistakes so we don't repeat them, but enough forgiveness to give each other another chance.
• Enough humility to realize and admit when you have done something wrong.
• Someone who can cook, doesn't matter who, and at least one should not be freaked out by touching raw chicken.
• Lots of low-sodium snacks.
• A level head and a balanced checkbook. Financial spats are among the top reasons for divorce. Have a plan going in, whether there's a joint bank account or whatever. Budget if you have to. Freeze your credit cards in blocks of ice (or shred them) if you have to. It's imperative you're on the same page before tying the knot.
• A wet/dry vacuum.
Some of these could also be considered necessities for new pet owners, for those who have to clean up after little-kid birthday parties or for those living in flood plains.
Two of our greatest achievements as a married couple are pictured below. Thanks for reading.
I'm riding 40 miles tomorrow (Saturday) on my bicycle during a charity ride. Wish me luck and strong legs!
good luck and strong legs...
1. Happy Anniversary to you and the PF! One day I hope to have a relationship as great as yours!
2. Your Children are beautiful...
3. Good luck on Saturday! Go Team T-Bone!!
Good luck in your bike ride. 40 miles seems like a lot.
Cas
Don and I have been married 11 years, and it's been great. When it's good it's good, but when it's bad - watch out. I liked your list.
Thanks for the pictures.
Eight years. Pfftt. Think about Hillary Clinton for eight years, then eat out twice per week.
;)
Congrats
Happy Anniversary!
What a beautiful family!
Great advice.
I'd add only one thing I've learned, when you hit the 4,7,10,15,and 19 years of marriage, if all seems hopeless and the end is near. Shut up, suck it up and work harder on your marriage, it will be better the next year. There is something about those years that seem to cause people to divorce.
Happy Anniversary and thanks for the great advice. Especially the one about the wet-dry vac! It's essential!
What beautiful children. You two are so fortunate! Happy anniversary. Your lists are always so comprehensive!
So true. We just celebrated our 8th. Excellent post.